Just next to the beautiful Stupa (Buddhist Temple), is the delightful Mariposario or in English, Butterfly Park. It is a wonderful place to spend a peaceful and informative couple of hours, especially on a rainy day.
The perfect place for the whole family, as you walk through the entrance into the actual enclosure, the transition is wonderful. The air is full of fluttering butterflies of all colours and sizes, with gentle and atmospheric music playing in the background. The enclosure imitates a rainforest, with
beautiful plants, chosen especially for the butterflies, both plant and butterfly dependent on each other.
As an educational experience it is very informative, with talks given by the staff each hour, offering information about the whole reproductive cycle of both butterflies and moths. You are able to observe chrysalis in the nursery, and there is nearly always one of the chrysalis hatching out. It is a marvel to watch as the butterfly or moth arrive with wet wings, which slowly dry out and then begin to flutter.
Children are given a sheet of photographs showing different butterflies and moths, and a pencil to tick off the boxes, as they find each individual subject. It is great fun for them, if not a little frustrating when they can’t always find them all. At the end they are given a treat if they complete the challenge and return their pencil.
As well as the stunning butterflies and moths, there is a wallaby, three turtles, a couple of iguanas and lots of spectacular birds, in a variety of bright colours. Everything looks like it has been created using the most vibrant colours available.
This is just the most delightful place to visit, the staff are friendly and informative, and the creatures are fascinating. There is a lovely cafe and shop, where you can buy reasonably priced souvenirs, attached to the park.
A truly wonderful experience.